xxiv, 406 pages : 25 cm

In this new and illuminating interpretation of Ambrose, bishop of Milan from 374 to 397, Neil McLynn thoroughly sifts the evidence surrounding this very difficult personality. The result is a richly detailed interpretation of Ambrose's actions and writings that penetrates the bishop's painstaking presentation of self. McLynn succeeds in revealing Ambrose's manipulation of events without making him too Machiavellian. Having synthesized the vast complex of scholarship available on the late fourth century, McLynn also presents an impressive study of the politics and history of the Christian church and the Roman Empire in that period. Admirably and logically organized, the book traces the chronology of Ambrose's public activity and reconstructs important events in the fourth century. McLynn's zesty, lucid prose gives the reader a clear understanding of the complexities of Ambrose's life and career and of late Roman government

Includes bibliographical references (pages 379-395) and index

Ch. 1. The Reluctant Bishop. Snatched from the Judgement Seat ; Milan Divided : Constantius II and the Council of 355 ; The Age of Auxentius ; Ambrose the Roman ; From Acclamation to Consecration -- Ch. 2. Consolidation. Opening Gambits ; Concerning Virgins ; The Death of Satyrus -- Ch. 3. Ambrose and Gratian. The Christian Prince ; The Illyrican Challenge ; The Advent of Theodosius ; The Council of Aquileia ; The Aftermath of Aquileia ; The Fall of Gratian -- Ch. 4. Persecution. The New Regime ; The First Round ; The Easter Crisis of 386 ; Against Auxentius ; The Martyrs -- Ch. 5. Ambrose's People, I: Master of Ceremonies. Constructing a Community ; Beyond the Walls ; Erudite Suavity -- Ch. 6. Ambrose's People, II: Friends and Influence. Negotia : Ambrose on Duty ; Amicitia : Ambrose and Symmachus ; Concertatio : Ambrose and the Bishops -- Ch. 7. Ambrose and Theodosius. The Setting ; Callinicum ; Thessalonica ; The End of Valentinian ; The Last Victory -- Ch. 8. Sanctity. Death ; Afterlife

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